Fluorinated aerosol lubricating compositions

ABSTRACT

Aerosol compositions containing fluorinated oils are disclosed. At least one fluorinated component compatible with the fluorinated oil and a propellant are included in the aerosol composition. Fluorinated oil-containing non-aerosol compositions are also disclosed. In a particularly desirable form, the compositions are single-phase.

This application is a 371 of PCT/US99/22150 filed Sep. 24, 1999 whichclaims benefit of No. 60/102,280 filed Sep. 29, 1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field Of The Invention

The present invention relates to aerosol compositions containingfluorinated oils, which are used for lubricating applications. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to aerosol compositionsincluding perfluoroalkylpolyether oils, which when sprayed under ambientconditions onto an substrate surface do not cause the substratetemperature to drop, thereby causing the moisture to freeze on thesubstrate and immobilize the composition.

2. Brief Description Of Related Technology

Perfluorinated oil lubricants have many desirable advantages over commonpetroleum-based lubricants. For instance, fluorinated lubricants areparticularly useful in high temperature applications in which chemicalresistance, thermostability, non-flammability and non-combustibilitycharacteristics are desirable. Due to their inherent chemical inertness,they serve extremely well in applications involving the industrialmaintenance, repair and operations areas (“MRO”), where lubricants aresubjected to the extreme demands placed on machinery. Whereas elevatedtemperatures, aggressive chemicals, flammable conditions and airbornecontaminants in typical MRO applications can quickly exceed theperformance capabilities of many petroleum lubricants, fluorinatedlubricants do not suffer from these limitations.

To date, the ability to deliver a perfluorinated or highly fluorinatedoil lubricant in aerosol form has been hampered by several technicaldifficulties. To begin with, aerosol compositions generally requiremiscibility of the respective components in the compositions.Perfluorinated oils and other highly fluorinated oil lubricants are notgenerally soluble in most common organic solvents employed in aerosolcompositions. Although perfluorinated solvent compounds may be used todissolve perfluorinated oils into solution, these perfluorinated solventmaterials are extremely expensive and not practical from a commercialindustrial viewpoint. Thus, one technical difficulty to overcome isfinding an inexpensive solvent composition, which both satisfies themiscibility requirement and quickly evaporates once the oil has beensprayed and delivered to a substrate. The solvent may desirably alsopossess a balance of other properties required of a commercially viableaerosol product such as being non-flammable and not combustible.

Moreover, when attempts to make aerosol compositions containingperfluorinated or highly fluorinated oils have been made, the resultantaerosol spray exhibited severe freezing of the composition on thesubstrate surface. The freezing of the composition when sprayed onto apart is problematic since the perfluorinated oil is not released fromthe frozen composition until the composition completely melts. This isparticularly problematic for penetrating oil compositions designed topenetrate narrow gapped spaces, such as between the threads of astandard {fraction (3/16)}″ (4.57 mm) nut and bolt. Even in instanceswhere complete freezing does not occur, the viscosity of theoil-containing composition increases to a point where penetration of thecomposition into narrow gaps is not possible. When the frozencomposition eventually melts, the flowability of the oil is stilleffected since its normal penetration flow has been interrupted.

At least for the reasons expressed above, aerosol compositionscontaining perfluorinated or highly fluorinated oils are not currentlyon the market. However, aerosol or spray forms of these compositionswould not only be convenient to the user, but in many cases would be thebest method of delivering the oil to a surface. It would be desirable toprovide a solution to the above-mentioned problems, particularly asregards to finding a suitable and cost effective solvent forperfluorinated oils, as well as discovering the ratios of components inthe resultant oil-containing composition which permit a non-freezingaerosol spray to be made.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention there is included an aerosolcomposition which includes a fluorinated oil, such as a perfluorinatedor highly fluorinated oil; a least one fluorinated component compatiblewith the oil; and a propellant. These components are combined in aratio, which provides a non-icing or non-freezing film when sprayed ontoa substrate at ambient conditions.

The perfluorinated and highly fluorinated oils of the inventivecompositions include a wide variety of materials. One such particularlyuseful class of materials are the commercially available perfluorinatedoils sold under the trademark KRYTOX by Dupont which correspond to theformula F[CF(CF₃)CF₂O]_(n)CF₂CF₃, wherein n is an integer from 10 to 60.Among the fluorinated components to be added which are compatible withthe oil are the highly fluorinated alkanes having from 4 to 10 carbonatoms. One particularly useful highly fluorinated component isdecafluoropentane, which is commercially available under the tradenameVERTREL XF sold by Dupont.

The compositions of the present invention are desirably single-phasecompositions, which are made by selectively determining the ratios ofcomponents, which can achieve this physical form. Dispersions, emulsionsand other combinative forms, however, may be useful. The presentinvention further contemplates an article of manufacture which includesa container for packaging a flowable composition; and a flowablecomposition within the container, the composition including afluorinated oil, at least one fluorinated component compatible with theoil and a propellant. The ratio of fluorinated oil to the fluorinatedcomponent is most desirably selected in a range to provide asingle-phase composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The perfluorinated oils of the present invention maybe selected from awide variety of perfluorinated and highly fluorinated oils. Among thoseuseful include those which correspond to one of the general compoundsselected from CF₃CF₂CF₂O—[CF(CF₃)CF₂—O—]_(n)CF₂CF₃,CF₃O—[CF(CF₃)CF₂—O—]_(y)—[CF₂_O]_(m)CF₃,CF₃O—[CF₂CF₂—O—]_(z)—[CF₂—O—]_(p)CF₃,CF₃CF₂CF₂—O—[CF₂CF₂CF₂—O—]_(q)CF₂CF₃, halocarbons containing therepeating group —(CF₂CFCl)_(r)— and having an average molecular weightof from about 230 to about 1200 and combinations thereof; where n is aninteger from 0 to 60; y is an integer from 0 to 60; m is an integer from0 to 60; z is an integer from 0 to 60; p is an integer from 0 to 60; qis an integer from 0 to 60; and r is an integer from 2 to 10. Ofparticular utility are the fluorinated oils which correspond to theformula F[CF(CF₃)CF₂O]_(n)CF₂CF₃, where n is an integer from 10 to 60.

The fluorinated component compatible with the fluorinated oil may alsobe selected from a wide variety of materials. However, its selection isdesigned to allow for an aerosol composition to be formed and mostdesirably formed as a single-phase composition. Thus, the fluorinatedcomponent chosen is one, which may have affinity for the fluorinated oiland most desirably increases its miscibility or solubility therewith.The fluorinated component is generally compatible with the fluorinatedoil and may be a material, which is partially or completely soluble withthe fluorinated oil, depending on the relative proportions of each. Itmay also be a material which is normally not soluble in or with the oilbut can be made to be more miscible or soluble through the addition ofother components or by controlling the ambient conditions, e.g.,pressure and temperature to render it more compatible with the oil.Alternatively, it may be a compatible material, which is very useful informing emulsions, dispersions, suspensions and the like.

Single-phase compositions have distinct advantages over dispersions andemulsions in aerosol compositions. Toward this end, single-phasecompositions are the more desirable physical form of the presentinvention, but dispersions, emulsions, suspensions or other combinativeforms may be employed. The fluorinated component which is compatiblewith the fluorinated oil is generally selected from one or morecompounds which correspond to the general formulas selected from thegroup consisting of fluorinated alkanes having 4 to 10 carbon atoms,fluorinated ether compounds corresponding to the formula R¹OR², where R¹and R² may be the same or different and are fluorinated alkyl groupshaving from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and combinations thereof. Isomers andisomeric mixtures of these compounds are of course contemplated.

Examples of specific fluorinated components which are intended to beused in combination with the fluorinated oil aremethoxy-nonafluorobutane and decafluoropentane.

The ratio of fluorinated oil to the fluorinated component compatibletherewith is desirably in the range of about 1:2 to about 1:2.8. Thisrange is designed to include single-phase compositions as well asmulti-phase compositions. In instances where a multi-phase compositionexists, other additives may be incorporated or conditions employed, suchas high pressure, to make the multi-phase composition into asingle-phase form. Multi-phase compositions may also be shaken oragitated prior to use. Moreover, the compositions of the presentinvention include those, which may be multi-phase at ambienttemperature, yet can exist in a single-phase form under certainconditions of temperature, pressure, and the like.

The compositions of the present invention are designed to be used with avariety of aerosol components. Virtually any material, which can serveas an aerosol component, may be employed. Among the propellants usefulare those selected from isobutane, dimethylether,1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide and combinations thereof. Inone desired form of the present invention, the propellant is soluble inthe composition. In addition to the three basic components of thepresent invention, a variety of additives may be incorporated therein.For example, a number of oil additives may be included, among which arethose selected from the group consisting of thermal stabilizers,lubricity modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, anti-wear and extremepressure agents, oxidation inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, stabilizersand combinations thereof.

Aerosols provide a convenient ready to-use economical package todispense products that can be used without the need of special curing orapplication equipment. The industrial MRO market is a business whereeconomics is a key factor that determines the acceptability of aproduct. The use of capital-intensive equipment severely limits theutility of the product in the industry. The present invention isespecially design for industrial MRO applications. Moreover, the aerosolpackages of the present invention provide a convenient and economicalway to contain volatile liquids that would otherwise quickly evaporateat room temperature in an unsealed container.

The present invention is especially designed to provide a penetratinglubricant composition. Such a composition has a low viscosity tofacilitate its penetration into narrow spaces, such as the gap betweenthe threads of a {fraction (3/16)}″ (4.57 mm) nut and bolt. Thecombination of a fluorinated oil with a fluorinated solvent, such assolvents commercially sold under trade name VERTREL XF, in aerosol formtake advantage of the benefits of the fluorinated chemistry as well asthe benefits of the aerosol package.

There are trade-offs in performance when formulating the fluorinatedpenetrating lubricant compositions. For example, there is a trade-off ofhigh temperature performance when the fluorinated oils decrease inviscosity. This limits the utility of low viscosity fluorinated oils.Moreover, the relative cost of fluorinated oil is roughly fifteen timesas expensive at current prices relevant to more conventional petroleumoils.

An article of manufacture is also contemplated in the present invention.Such an article includes a container for packaging a flowablecomposition; and a flowable composition within the container, thecomposition including a fluorinated oil, at least one fluorinatedcomponent compatible with the oil and a propellant. The ratio offluorinated oil to the fluorinated component compatible with the oil(e.g., a fluorinated solvent) can be about 1:0.5 to about 1:15. In onedesirable embodiment, the ratio of fluorinated oil to fluorinatedsolvent may be 1:8, more desirably 1:4 and particularly desirably 1:2.In a particularly desirable form, the composition within the containeris in a single phase. The container can be fitted with a means fordispensing the flowable composition, such as an aerosol valve means.

In a broad method of use aspect, the invention provides a method ofusing an inventive composition as described herein to compatibilizeincompatible materials, such as those which would ordinarily exist in atwo phase system in the absence of the inventive composition. Morespecifically, the method calls for the step of providing saidcomposition to a mixture of two or more incompatible materials.

In addition, the entire contents of co-pending, commonly-assigned U.S.provisional application Nos. 60/102,280, filed Sep. 29, 1998 and60/102,281, filed Sep. 29, 1999 are hereby expressly incorporated hereinby reference.

The features and advantages of the present invention will be moreclearly understood by reference to the following examples, which serveas an illustration of the invention but are not to be construed oflimiting the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Table 1 shows a series of compositions prepared using a fluorinated oil(KRYTOX GPL-101), a fluorinated component compatible with the oil, suchas decafluoropentane (VERTREL XF) and a propellant. These compositionswhere packaged in conventional aerosol containers and sprayed onto ametal substrate from a distance of about 12″ (30.5 cm) at roomtemperature. The observations as to flowability, icing or freezing andfilm quality are listed.

TABLE 1 GPL- Solvent Propellant Formulation 101 VERTREL OXSOL A-31 DME134a Number (a) XF (b) 100 (c) (d) (e) (f) Observations 1234-02-01 19 30178 1234-02-02 29 20 178 1234-02-03 39 10 178 1234-02-04 49 178 Poorflow, icing, poor film 1234-02-05 49 20 158 Poor flow, icing, poor film1234-02-06 49 40 138 Poor flow, icing, poor film 1234-02-7 49 60 118Poor flow, icing, poor film 1234-02-08 49 80 98 Poor flow, icing, poorfilm 1234-02-09 49 40 138 Poor flow, icing, poor film 1234-02-10 49 8098 Poor flow, icing, poor film 1234-02-11 25 20 202 Good flow, icing,good film 1234-02-12 25 40 162 Good flow, icing, poor film 1234-02-13 2520 202 Poor flow, icing, poor film 1234-02-14 25 40 162 Poor flow,icing, poor film 1234-05-01 49 80 98 Poor flow, icing, poor film1234-05-02 49 100 78 Good flow, no icing, good film 1234-05-3 49 120 58Good flow, no icing, good film 1234-05-04 49 90 98 Poor flow, icing,poor film 1234-05-05 39 110 78 Good flow, no icing, good film 1234-05-0639 130 58 Good flow, no icing, good film 1234-05-07 29 100 98 Poor flow,icing, poor film 1234-05-08 29 120 78 Good flow, icing, poor film1234-05-09 29 140 58 Good flow, no icing, poor film 1234-05-10 19 110 98Good flow, icing, poor film 1234-05-11 19 130 78 Poor flow, icing, poorfilm 1234-05-12 19 150 58 Good flow, no icing, poor film 1234-06-01 49178 Good flow, icing, poor film 1234-06-02 49 90 88 Good flow, no icing,good film 1234-06-03 49 60 60 58 Good flow, no icing, poor film1234-07-01 49 90 88 Good flow, no icing, good film 1234-07-02 49 80 98Good flow, no icing, good film 1234-07-03 49 70 108 Poor flow, no icing,poor film 1234-07-04 49 60 118 Poor flow, no icing, good film 1234-07-0549 50 128 Good flow, icing, good film 1234-07-06 49 40 138 Poor flow,icing, poor film (a) Refers to the commercially available fluorinatedoil having the formula F[CF(CF₃)CF₂O]_(n)CF₂CF₃, where n is 10 to 60,sold under the tradename KRYTOX GPL-101 (b) VERTREL XF is a tradenamefor the commercially available highly fluorinated compound,decafluoropentane. (c) OXSOL 100 is a trade name for the commerciallyavailable compound, p-chlorobenzotrifluoride. (d) A-31 refers to thepropellant, isobutane. (e) DME refers to the propellant, dimethylether.(f) 134a refers to the propellant, 1,1,1,2,-tetrafluoroethane.

As can be seen from the table, various propellants were used incombination with varying amounts of the fluorinated oil and thefluorinated solvent component. As can be seen from the table, the firstcomposition that provided good flowability on the substrate, no icingand good film quality was composition 1234-05-02. This compositioncontained 49 grams of fluorinated oil, 100 grams of decafluoropentaneand 78 grams of isobutane. This composition had a low viscosity, whichpenetrated the tight spaces of threads on a ¼×20 nut and bolt. Inaccordance with the findings in Table 1, at least 17% of the totalcomposition, i.e., fluorinated oil plus fluorinated solvent pluspropellant, needs to be fluorinated oil in order to provide good filmformation. When the fluorinated oil is present in 17% by weight, thecomposition requires at least 48% of the highly fluorinated componentdecafluoropentane to prevent freezing. The balance of the compositionscan be aerosol propellant.

In compositions where the propellant is tetrafluoroethane, additionalbenefit of the composition can be realized with respect tonon-flammability. For example, composition 1234-06-02, which contains 49grams of fluorinated oil, 90 grams decafluoropentane and 88 grams oftetrafluoroethane produces a penetrating oil which has excellent flowcharacteristics, no icing, good film formation and is non-flammable.Such a composition is especially useful under flammable conditions suchas energized circuit applications. Typical hydrocarbon-based lubricants,such as WD-40, are flammable and cannot be used under such flammableconditions. The present fluorinated compositions have better chemicalresistance and thermostability over hydrocarbon-based lubricants andwhen combined with certain propellants, can also exhibitnon-flammability.

Example 2

Through experimentation, it was determined that when the composition wasdischarged from the aerosol container, the temperature droppedsufficiently causing moisture to condense from the surroundingatmosphere and freeze, thereby immobilizing the composition. In oneseries of experiments, the temperature of the metal substrate onto whichthe composition was sprayed dropped from 71° F. (21° C.) to 33° F. (1°C.) after only 5 seconds. In another experiment, the temperature droppedto −9° F. (−22° C.) after 15 seconds spray. Moisture condensed and frozeon the surface causing the oil to remain immobile until the substratetemperature rose above 32° F. (0° C.). This freezing presented severalsignificant problems. The viscosity of the oil when subjected totemperatures below freezing was too high to provide sufficientflowability to penetrate narrow gaps. Such compositions are noteffective as penetrating oil compositions. Moreover, the thermodynamiccooling which led to moisture condensing and freezing, kept the oil fromflowing even when sprayed on a vertical surface.

The addition of a fluorinated component, which acts as a solvent to thefluorinated oil, provides several advantages. First, it reduces theviscosity of the oil to allow the oil to penetrate narrow gaps. Thisaids in producing a penetrating oil composition, which penetrates andlubricates tight fitting parts. The solvent may also provide a heat sinkto reduce the magnitude of the temperature drop and the resultantmoisture condensation. The addition of the solvent also dilutes theamount of propellant in the composition, and serves to reduce theportion of the composition that contributed to the thermodynamicfreezing effects. As shown in Table 1 above, the first fifteencompositions listed failed to produce a non-icing spray. As a result,the compositions also produced poor flowability and poor film formation.The sixteenth composition (1234-05-02) is representative of the firstnon-freezing penetrating oil composition.

Further experiments were conducted to measure the temperature drop forseveral aerosol penetrating oil compositions. Tables 2-2c below, showthe results of such testing. Steel Q-panels 3″×5″×0.020″ (76.2 mm×127mm×0.50 mm) were used as the substrate. For all tests, the aerosolcontainer was held approximately 12″ (30.5cm) from the panel at anapproximate 90° angle and sprayed at room temperature. The temperaturedifferences of the metal substrate before and after the spray were takenwith a Cole Parmer-Infrared thermometer, model 08406-02. (See infra.)Three compositions were prepared: namely 1234-02-05; 1234-05-02 and1234-05-12. The spray time (seconds), temperature (° F./° C.) of themetal substrate before the spray and after the spray, as well as thespray rate were recorded. Composition 1234-02-05 showed significantfreezing on all samples. Heavy icing was observed on trials number 2 and3. In every case, the temperature of the substrate was significantlylowered after the composition was applied.

TABLE 2 Temperature Drop Measurement for Several Aerosol PenetratingFormulations of Formulation VERTREL Propellant Formulation (grams)Number GPL-101 XF A-31 134-a Early Freezing Prototype 1234-02-05 49 20158  — First Formulation without freezing 1234-05-02 49 100  78 —Critical Ratio to prevent freezing 1234-05-12  49* 90 — 88 *GPL-101contains an inhibitor in this formulation, XP1A1

TABLE 2a Formulation -- Early Freezing Prototype (1234-02-05) Trail #1#2 #3 Spray Time (seconds) 5 10 15 T1, Metal Temperature Before Spray72° F. (22° C.) 69° F. (21° C.) 71° F. (22° C.)  T2, Metal TemperatureAfter Spray 35° F. (2° C.)  24° F. (−4° C.) −9° F. (−13° C.) Spray Rate,(grams per second) 1.33 g/s 1.29 g/s 1.28 g/s Significant freezingobserved on all samples. Heavy icing observed on trials #2 & #3.

TABLE 2b Formulation - First Formulation without Freezing (1234-05-02)Trail #1 #2 #3 Spray Time, (seconds) 5 10 15 T1, Metal Temperaturebefore Spray 71° F. (22° C.) 72° F. (22° C.) 70° F. (21° C.) T2, MetalTemperature After Spray 40° F. (4° C.)  29° F. (−2° C.) 27° F. (−3° C.)Spray Rate (grams per second) 1.40 g/s 1.54 g/s 1.42 g/s Good flow onall trials with the slight exception of some minor freezing on trial #3.Acceptable flow.

TABLE 2c Formulation -- Ratio to Prevent Freezing (1234-05-12) Trail #1#2 #3 Spray Time, (seconds) 5 10 15 T1, Metal Temperature before Spray70° F. (21° C.) 71° F. (22° C.) 73° F. (23° C.) T2, Metal TemperatureAfter Spray 53° F. (12° C.) 47° F. (8° C.)  42° F. (6° C.)  SprayRate,(grams per second) 1.21 g/s 1.19 g/s 1.24 g/s Great flow, nofreezing on any trials. Conditions: Steel Q-panel 3″ × 5″ × 0.020″ (76mm × 127 mm × 50 mm) Distance from Aerosol to the Q-panel; 12 inches(30.5 cm) Cole Parmer-Infrared Thermometer: Model 08406-02

Composition 1234-05-02 exhibited a marked improvement over thepreviously described composition. Good flowability was observed intrials 1 and 2, with acceptable flowability in trial 3. The spray time,temperature before and after spray of the metal substrate and the sprayrate were all recorded as with the previous composition.

Composition 1234-05-12 was found to be an extremely effectivecomposition, exhibiting excellent flowability and no freezing on any ofthe trials. The temperature drop of the metal substrate before and afterspray was significantly reduced compare to composition 1234-02-05, andalso improved over the previous composition 1234-05-02.

The invention being thus described, it will be clear to those persons ofskill in the art that many variations exist, and such variations are notto be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinvention, and all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An aerosol composition comprising: a) a fluorinated oil; b) at least one fluorinated component selected from the group consisting of fluorinated alkanes having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms, fluorinated ether compounds corresponding to the formula R¹OR² wherein R¹ and R² may be the same or different and are fluorinated alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and combinations thereof, wherein said fluorinated component is compatible with said fluorinated oil; and c) a propellant, wherein the ratio of said fluorinated oil to said fluorinated component provides a non-icing film when sprayed in ambient conditions.
 2. The aerosol composition of claim 1 wherein the ratio of fluorinated oil to fluorinated component is about 1:2 to about 1:2.8.
 3. The aerosol composition of claim 1 wherein said ratio of fluorinated oil to fluorinated component is about 1:0.5 to about 1:15.
 4. The aerosol composition of claim 1 wherein said fluorinated oil corresponds to one of the general formulas selected from the group consisting of CF₃CF₂CF₂O—[CF(CF₃)CF₂—O—]_(n)CF₂CF₃, CF₃O—[CF(CF₃)CF₂—O—]_(y)—[CF₂—O]_(m)CF₃, CF₃O—[CF₂CF₂—O—]_(z)—[CF₂—O—]_(p)CF₃, CF₃CF₂CF₂—O—[CF₂CF₂CF₂—O—]_(q)CF₂CF₃, halocarbons containing the repeating group —(CF₂CFCl)—_(r) and combinations thereof; wherein n is an integer from 0 to 60; y is an integer from 0 to 60; m is an integer from 0 to 60; z is an integer from 0 to 60; p is an integer from 0 to 60; and q is an integer from 0 to 60; and r is an integer from 2 to
 10. 5. The aerosol composition of claim 4, wherein said fluorinated oil corresponds to the formula F[CF(CF₃)CF₂O]_(n)CF₂CF₃, wherein n is an integer from 10 to
 60. 6. The aerosol composition of claim 1 wherein said fluorinated component is methoxy-nonafluorobutane.
 7. The aerosol composition of claim 1 wherein said fluorinated component is decafluoropentane.
 8. The aerosol composition of claim 1 wherein said propellant is selected from the group consisting of isobutane, dimethylether, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide and combinations thereof.
 9. The aerosol composition of claim 1 being a stable single phase.
 10. The aerosol composition of claim 1 further including an oil additive selected from the group consisting of thermal stabilizers, lubricity modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, anti-wear and extreme pressure agents, oxidation inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, stabilizers and combinations thereof.
 11. The aerosol composition of claim 1 being non-flammable or non-combustible.
 12. A fluorinated oil composition capable of forming a non-icing aerosol comprising: a) a fluorinated oil; and b) at least one fluorinated component selected from the group consisting of fluorinated alkanes having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms, fluorinated ether compounds corresponding to the formula R¹OR² wherein R¹ and R² may be the same or different and are fluorinated alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and combinations thereof, wherein said fluorinated component is compatible with said oil, and further wherein the ratio of fluorinated oil to fluorinated component is about 1:0.5 to about 1:15.
 13. The fluorinated oil composition of claim 12 wherein said fluorinated oil is a compound corresponding to the general formulas selected from the group consisting of CF₃CF₂CF₂O—[CF(CF₃)CF₂—O—]_(n)CF₂CF₃, CF₃O—[CF(CF₃)CF₂—O—]_(y)—[CF₂—O]_(m)CF₃, CF₃O—[CF₂CF₂—O—]_(z)[CF₂—O—]_(p)CF₃, CF₃CF₂CF₂—O—[CF₂CF₂CF₂—O—]_(q)CF₂CF₃, halocarbons containing the repeating group —(CF₂CFCl)—_(r) and combinations thereof; wherein n is an integer from 0 to 60; y is an integer from 0 to 60; m is an integer from 0 to 60; z is an integer from 0 to 60; p is an integer from 0 to 60; and q is an integer from 0 to 60; and r is an integer from 2 to
 10. 14. The fluorinated oil composition of claim 12 being in a stable single phase.
 15. The fluorinated oil composition of claim 12 further including an aerosol propellant.
 16. The fluorinated oil composition of claim 15 wherein said propellant is selected from the group consisting of isobutane, dimethylether, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide and combinations thereof.
 17. The fluorinated composition of claim 13 further including an additive selected from the group consisting of thermal stabilizers, lubricity modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, anti-wear and extreme pressure agents, oxidation inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, stabilizers and combinations thereof.
 18. An article of manufacture comprising: a) a container for packaging a flowable composition; b) a flowable composition within said container, said composition comprising: i) a fluorinated oil; ii) at least one fluorinated component selected from the group consisting of fluorinated alkanes having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms, fluorinated ether compounds corresponding to the formula R¹OR² wherein R¹ and R² may be the same or different and are fluorinated alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and combinations thereof, wherein said fluorinated component is compatible with said oil; and iii) a propellant, wherein said composition is non-icing when sprayed from said container in ambient conditions.
 19. The article of manufacture of claim 18, wherein the ratio of fluorinated oil to fluorinated component is about 1:1 to about 1:15.
 20. The article of manufacture of claim 18, wherein said fluorinated oil corresponds to one of the general formulas selected from the group consisting of CF₃CF₂CF₂O—[CF(CF₃)CF₂—O—]_(n)CF₂CF₃, CF₃O—[CF(CF₃)CF₂—O—]_(y)—[CF₂—O]_(m)CF₃, CF₃O—[CF₂CF₂—O—]_(z)—[CF₂—O—]_(p)CF₃, CF₃CF₂CF₂—O—[CF₂CF₂CF₂—O—]_(q)CF₂CF₃, halocarbons containing the repeating group —(CF₂CFCl)—_(r) and combinations thereof; wherein n is an integer from 0 to 60; y is an integer from 0 to 60; m is an integer from 0 to 60; z is an integer from 0 to 60; p is an integer from 0 to 60; and q is an integer from 0 to 60; and r is an integer from 2 to
 10. 21. The article of manufacture of claim 18, wherein said fluorinated component is decafluoropentane.
 22. The article of manufacture of claim 18, wherein said fluorinated component is methoxy-nonafluorobutane.
 23. The article of manufacture of claim 18, wherein said propellant is selected from the group consisting of isobutane, dimethylether, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide and combinations thereof.
 24. The article of manufacture of claim 18, being in a stable single phase.
 25. The article of manufacture of claims 18, further including an oil additive selected from the group consisting of thermal stabilizers, lubricity modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, anti-wear and extreme pressure agents, oxidation inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, stabilizers and combinations thereof.
 26. A method of preparing a non-icing fluorinated aerosol composition comprising: a) providing a fluorinated oil; b) providing a fluorinated component compatible with said oil, wherein said fluorinated component is selected from the group consisting of fluorinated alkanes having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms, fluorinated ether compounds corresponding to the formula R¹OR² wherein R¹ and R² may be the same or different and are fluorinated alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and combinations thereof c) combining said fluorinated oil with at lease one said fluorinated component; and d) further combining the resultant combination with a propellant; wherein the ratio of fluorinated oil to fluorinated component is about 1:0.5 to about 1:15.
 27. The method of claim 26, further including the step of adjusting said ratio to obtain a single phase.
 28. A method of cleaning an oil-bearing surface by contacting said surface with a fluorinated aerosol composition, said composition comprising the composition of claim
 1. 29. A method of delivering a fluorinated oil to a surface comprising contacting a surface to be lubricated with the composition of claim
 12. 30. A method of using the composition according to claim 1 to compatibilize incompatible materials, a step of which comprises: a) providing said composition to a mixture of two or more incompatible materials to produce a substantially single phase composition therefrom. 